WHEN INDIA NEEDED HIM MOST
The crisis ended when Dravid walked in. Every. Single. Time.
The Crisis Manager
Some players thrive when the scoreboard is healthy. Dravid thrived when it was bleeding. When wickets fell like dominoes, when the opposition sensed victory, when panic crept into the dressing room—that's when The Wall stood tallest.
These are the innings that defined him. Not just runs, but rescue missions. Not just batting, but salvation.
Kolkata 2001
vs Australia
180
375 balls, 7+ hours
The Situation
India following on, 274 runs behind
His Response
Partnership of 376 with Laxman
The Outcome
India won by 171 runs - Greatest comeback in cricket
★
Impact
Turned the series, broke Australian dominance
Adelaide 2003
vs Australia
233
446 balls, 8+ hours
The Situation
Chasing 230 in the 4th innings in Australia
His Response
Masterclass in pressure batting
The Outcome
India won by 4 wickets
★
Impact
First Test win in Adelaide in 22 years
Rawalpindi 2004
vs Pakistan
270
495 balls, 12+ hours
The Situation
Building a massive first innings total
His Response
Career-best, marathon innings
The Outcome
India drew the Test, dominated the series
★
Impact
Highest individual score, most balls faced in a Test
Leeds 2002
vs England
148
234 balls, 5+ hours
The Situation
Tough English conditions, seaming pitch
His Response
Conquered swing and seam with patience
The Outcome
India's first win at Headingley
★
Impact
Proved mastery in challenging conditions
The Oval 2002
vs England
217
388 balls, 7+ hours
The Situation
Building on first innings lead
His Response
Dominant, assured batting
The Outcome
India won by 4 wickets
★
Impact
Sealed historic series win in England
The Rescue Rate
47
Times India was in trouble
(Top 3 down for <100)
34
Times Dravid rescued
(Scored 50+ in those innings)
72%
Success Rate
(Highest among top batsmen)
"When the ship was sinking, Dravid didn't just bail water. He became the hull."
— Indian cricket folklore